Ottawa is home to some of the most dynamic and visionary women in Canada — leaders whose work, performance, and impact have made them the most influential figures in their respective fields. All ten women profiled here are listed in alphabetical order. They live and work in the capital, and through their careers in defence, finance, media, healthcare, and beyond, they are shaping not only the future of Ottawa but the direction of the country itself.
Their leadership in 2025 is bold, inclusive, and deeply rooted in purpose — a reflection of the city’s growing role as a hub for national innovation and influence.
General Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
Appointed in July 2024, General Jennie Carignan became the first woman in Canadian history to serve as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and the first to hold the rank of full general. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, she has served in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and the Golan Heights, and was the first woman to command a combat engineer regiment in Kandahar.
Her leadership comes at a time of unprecedented global instability and heightened military engagement for Canada. With renewed commitments to NATO and NORAD, and major investments in national defence — including the deployment of F-35 fighter jets, modernization of submarine capabilities, and expansion of Arctic operations — Carignan is overseeing one of the most significant strategic shifts in Canadian military history. Under the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada’s defence posture has taken on new urgency, and Carignan is at the helm of its transformation.
She has also prioritized cultural reform within the Armed Forces, focusing on recruitment, equity, and mental health. Her leadership is redefining what it means to serve — and lead — in Canada’s military, making her one of the most consequential defence figures of the modern era.
Christyn Cianfarani
President & CEO, CADSI
Since 2014, Christyn Cianfarani has served as President and CEO of CADSI, the national voice of Canada’s defence and security industries, representing over 900 member companies across aerospace, naval systems, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its history — and one of the most influential civilian figures in Canadian defence policy.
Cianfarani’s leadership has coincided with a period of rapid transformation in Canada’s defence landscape. Under the Carney government, Canada has recommitted to NATO and NORAD, launched major procurement programs for F-35 fighter jets, next-generation submarines, and Arctic surveillance systems, and expanded its role in global security operations. CADSI plays a central role in these efforts, acting as a bridge between industry and government, and ensuring Canadian firms are positioned to deliver cutting-edge capabilities.
A former executive at CAE Inc., where she led advanced training solutions and government relations, Cianfarani brings deep operational and policy expertise to her role. She was the only woman appointed to the 2013 Jenkins panel on defence procurement — a landmark initiative that reshaped how Canada evaluates and acquires military technologies. Her advocacy helped shift the conversation toward innovation, domestic capability, and long-term economic impact.
Beyond procurement, Cianfarani has championed workplace equity and inclusion across the defence sector. Under her leadership, CADSI introduced enhanced maternity leave top-ups, disability benefits, and mental health supports — policies designed to make the industry more accessible and sustainable for women and underrepresented groups.
She was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network in 2018, recognized in the CIBC Trailblazers and Trendsetters category. Her influence extends beyond Ottawa: she regularly advises federal ministers, speaks at international defence summits, and represents Canada in global forums on security innovation and industrial policy.
In a sector long dominated by men, Christyn Cianfarani has not only broken barriers — she’s built new ones. Her work ensures that Canadian defence is not just strong, but smart, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Catherine Clark
President, Catherine Clark Communications
Catherine Clark is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable public figures and a highly regarded communicator — a seasoned broadcaster, emcee, and strategic advisor whose influence spans media, public affairs, philanthropy, and civic leadership. As President of Catherine Clark Communications, she provides strategic counsel to corporations, institutions, and non-profits, helping shape public narratives and executive messaging across Canada.
Clark is also the co-founder of The Honest Talk, a bold multi-platform initiative that champions authentic conversations among women. Through its podcast, online magazine, and live events, The Honest Talk has become a national forum for female leaders in politics, business, media, and healthcare — amplifying voices that are often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
Her media career began in broadcast journalism, where she hosted programs for CPAC and Rogers TV, and contributed regularly to CBC and CTV. In 2021, she launched Her-spective, a week-long interview series spotlighting female journalists and their experiences covering the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has earned her a Forty Under 40 Award and recognition as one of Ottawa’s Top 25 People by Ottawa Life Magazine.
Beyond media, Clark is deeply engaged in charitable and civic work. She serves on the Board of Directors for Hydro Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, where she helps guide strategic planning and community outreach. She is a former Chair of the Writers’ Trust of Canada and has emceed countless fundraising events for organizations including the CHEO Foundation, the Ottawa Food Bank, and the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.
Clark is also a passionate advocate for youth mental health, literacy, and women’s leadership. She regularly mentors young professionals and collaborates with local schools and universities to promote civic engagement and media literacy. Her work in these areas has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for community causes and inspired a new generation of female leaders.
The daughter of former Prime Minister Joe Clark and author Maureen McTeer, Catherine Clark has carved out her own legacy — one grounded in service, storytelling, and social impact. Her ability to bridge sectors and connect people makes her one of Ottawa’s most influential women, and a vital voice in Canada’s public life.
Dr. Vera Etches
President & CEO, CHEO
No one in Ottawa batted an eye when Dr. Vera Etches was named President and CEO of CHEO in March 2025. The move felt like a natural next step for someone who had already earned the trust of an entire city. As Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health from 2018 to 2025, Etches became one of the most recognizable and respected public health leaders in the country. Her steady hand during the COVID-19 pandemic — marked by clear communication, empathy, and a firm commitment to science — helped guide Ottawa through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Dr. Etches’ calm, evidence-based communication style and tireless advocacy for science-driven policy earned her widespread praise. She led Ottawa Public Health through multiple waves of the pandemic, balancing public safety with mental health, economic resilience, and equity. Her daily briefings became a trusted source of information for residents, and her leadership helped Ottawa achieve some of the highest vaccination rates in the country.
In recognition of her service, Dr. Etches received the Key to the City of Ottawa in 2021, was named Newsmaker of the Year at the Best Ottawa Business Awards, and was awarded multiple honorary doctorates from Canadian universities. She also received the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Health Leadership and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.
Beyond her public health work, Dr. Etches is an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa, where she mentors medical residents and contributes to curriculum development in population health and epidemiology. She has published research on health equity, community-based care, and pandemic preparedness, and regularly speaks at national conferences on public health innovation.
At CHEO, Dr. Etches is now leading one of Canada’s most important pediatric institutions through a period of transformation. Her priorities include expanding access to mental health services, reducing surgical wait times, and integrating digital health tools to improve patient outcomes. She is also spearheading a multi-year strategic plan focused on equity, sustainability, and family-centered care.
Dr. Etches continues to serve on advisory boards for the Canadian Public Health Association and the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health. Her influence extends beyond Ottawa — she is a national voice for compassionate, community-driven healthcare and a role model for women in medicine and public service.
Vassy Kapelos
Chief Political Correspondent, CTV News
Vassy Kapelos has become one of the most influential and unflinching voices in Canadian political journalism. As Chief Political Correspondent for CTV News and host of Power Play and Question Period, she’s built a reputation for asking the questions politicians would rather avoid — and refusing to settle for rehearsed talking points.
Her interviewing style is sharp, informed, and relentlessly focused on accountability. In recent months, Kapelos has drawn national attention for her pointed exchanges with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly over foreign ownership in Canadian tech, and with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne on the government’s handling of inflation and housing affordability. Her May 2025 interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney was widely praised for its clarity and refusal to let political spin dominate the conversation. Kapelos’s ability to cut through deflection and demand real answers has made her one of the most respected broadcast journalists in the country.
Kapelos’s move from CBC to CTV in 2022 wasn’t just a career pivot — it marked a broader shift in Canadian media consumption. Her departure coincided with growing public frustration over CBC’s increasingly unbalanced and ideologically driven coverage. Once regarded as a cornerstone of Canadian journalism, CBC has faced mounting criticism for its overt hostility toward conservative voices, its abandonment of editorial neutrality, and its repeated failure to offer fair representation across the political spectrum. More troublingly, the network has been called out by prominent journalists, academics, and advocacy groups for airing narratives that many view as antisemitic — particularly in its coverage of Middle East conflicts and domestic Jewish issues. These concerns have eroded public trust and contributed to a steep decline in CBC’s ratings and credibility.
In contrast, Kapelos has maintained a reputation for fairness, rigour, and accountability. Her panels feature a balanced mix of perspectives, and her interviews are tough but even-handed — whether the guest is Liberal, Conservative, or otherwise. Many of her former CBC viewers have followed her to CTV, where Power Play and Question Period now routinely outperform CBC’s Power & Politics, offering a more credible and compelling alternative to what many see as a network that has lost its journalistic compass.
She’s a three-time Canadian Screen Award winner, recognized for Best Live Production and Best Talk Program or Series, and is frequently cited as one of the most trusted voices in Canadian media. Her reporting blends speed with substance, and her ability to hold elected officials accountable — without theatrics — has made her a standout in a media landscape often dominated by noise.
Born in Toronto and educated at Western and Dalhousie, Kapelos began her career covering provincial politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan before rising to national prominence. Today, based in Ottawa, she’s not just covering the story — she’s shaping how Canadians understand it. Her work is a reminder that journalism, when done right, still matters.
Susan Richards
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, numbercrunch
Susan Richards continues to be one of Ottawa’s most influential business leaders in 2025, marking over a decade at the helm of numbercrunch, the outsourced finance firm she co-founded to support startups and scaling businesses. Known for her strategic clarity and deep financial expertise, Richards has become a cornerstone of Ottawa’s tech and innovation ecosystem.
This year, numbercrunch celebrated its 10-year anniversary, a milestone that prompted reflection on the firm’s journey and its impact on more than 400 local companies. Richards used the occasion to share lessons in resilience, capital efficiency, and leadership through a widely read piece in the Ottawa Business Journal, reinforcing her role as a mentor and thought leader in the startup space.
She is the former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at Invest Ottawa, where she helped guide regional economic development and supported high-growth firms. She also served as a Director at the Kanata North Business Association, contributing to Canada’s largest tech park and advocating for stronger ties between business and government. Today, she sits on the Board of the Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), the research arm of The Royal Ottawa Health Centre, where she also serves as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Richards was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year – Established Entrepreneur Award, presented by the Women’s Business Network of Ottawa. The nomination recognizes her leadership in finance, her commitment to community, and her role in shaping Ottawa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
In addition to her board work, Richards has been a regular voice at Ottawa Technology Ecosystem, where she has appeared on panels discussing the impact of AI on finance, building resilient teams, and navigating economic uncertainty. Her insights are frequently featured in Techopia Live, where she’s praised for blending technical depth with practical advice for founders.
Richards’s influence extends beyond finance. She’s a vocal advocate for inclusive leadership, pushing for better representation of women and underrepresented groups in tech and business. Her mentorship work includes advising youth-led initiatives and supporting programs that help women entrepreneurs access capital and scale sustainably.
Her career began in traditional accounting, but her entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found Givopoly, an online gift delivery marketplace that supported local businesses and was successfully sold in 2018. That experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges of scaling a business—and deepened her commitment to helping other founders navigate growth, risk, and change.
Richards holds the FCPA, FCMA designation, recognizing her as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants for outstanding contributions to the profession. She’s also a recipient of the Order of Ottawa, awarded in 2022 for her leadership in business and community service.
Richards is known for her tireless work ethic, her ability to simplify complex financial strategy, and her commitment to building businesses that last. In a city where startups often struggle to scale and financial strategy is too often an afterthought, Susan Richards is the steady hand behind the scenes—helping founders make smarter decisions, build stronger teams, and prepare for what’s next.
Sonya Shorey
President & CEO, Invest Ottawa
Appointed President and CEO of Invest Ottawa in June 2024, Sonya Shorey now leads one of Canada’s most dynamic economic development organizations — overseeing Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards, and Area X.O, the country’s leading R&D facility for autonomous and connected technologies. With more than two decades of experience in tech, entrepreneurship, and strategic communications, Shorey is widely recognized as a driving force behind Ottawa’s rise as a global innovation hub.
Her influence spans sectors and borders. Under her leadership, Invest Ottawa has expanded its support for high-growth firms, scaled its global business attraction efforts, and deepened its partnerships with academia, industry, and government. She’s played a key role in positioning Ottawa as a top destination for cleantech, cybersecurity, and smart mobility investment — and has helped secure millions in funding for local startups and scale-ups.
Shorey is also a champion of inclusive innovation. She co-founded SheBoot, a national startup bootcamp for women founders that has helped dozens of female-led companies secure early-stage capital and pitch to investors. She serves as Director and Treasurer of Mindtrust Leadership, and sits on multiple advisory boards focused on entrepreneurship, talent development, and economic resilience.
Her work at Area X.O — a 1,866-acre testbed for next-gen technologies — has drawn international attention. The facility supports R&D in autonomous vehicles, drones, smart agriculture, and defense applications, and has hosted delegations from Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Shorey has helped broker partnerships with global firms and federal agencies, positioning Ottawa as a key player in Canada’s innovation economy.
She’s known for her strategic clarity, collaborative leadership style, and ability to translate vision into execution — whether she’s pitching Ottawa to global investors or mentoring the next generation of founders.
In a city often overshadowed by Toronto and Montreal, Shorey has helped Ottawa punch above its weight — not just as a government town, but as a serious contender in the global tech race. Her work is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Canada, and her influence continues to grow across boardrooms, labs, and startup accelerators nationwide.
Jennifer Stewart
Founder & CEO, Syntax Strategic
Jennifer Stewart is one of the most connected and influential figures in Ottawa’s business and civic landscape—a communications strategist, entrepreneur, and policy advocate whose reach now extends across the country. As President and CEO of Syntax Strategic, she leads one of Ottawa’s top communications firms, advising clients in government, industry, and the nonprofit sector on everything from crisis management to national campaigns. In 2025, Syntax expanded westward with the opening of a Vancouver office, a move that signals the firm’s growing national footprint and Stewart’s rising influence beyond the capital.
Her portfolio is as diverse as it is impactful. Stewart co-founded The Honest Talk, a fast-growing media and podcast platform amplifying women’s voices in leadership, business, and public life. The platform has become a trusted space for candid conversations with senior leaders, cabinet ministers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, and continues to grow its audience across Canada. Stewart’s ability to create meaningful dialogue—especially around gender equity, leadership, and public policy—has earned her recognition as a bridge-builder in a polarized media environment.
She is also Founder of the Canadian Transportation Alliance, where she advocates for infrastructure modernization, supply chain resilience, and strategic investment in Canada’s transportation networks. Her work in this space has brought together stakeholders from government, logistics, and industry, helping shape national conversations around competitiveness and economic recovery.
Beyond her corporate and advocacy roles, Stewart is a co-owner of Ottawa Valley Grain Products, a fourth-generation agribusiness rooted in Eastern Ontario. Her involvement reflects a deep connection to rural economic development and food security—issues she believes are often overlooked in urban policy circles. Stewart’s ability to operate across sectors—from agriculture to tech to public affairs—underscores her versatility and strategic depth.
Stewart’s influence isn’t limited to boardrooms and broadcast studios. She is increasingly visible in Ottawa’s civic and nonprofit communities, serving on advisory boards, moderating national policy panels, and supporting local initiatives focused on youth, mental health, and economic inclusion. Her close working relationship with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe—including joint appearances, strategic collaborations, and mutual support for small business and entrepreneurship—has led many in political and business circles to quietly float her name as a future mayoral contender. She’s seen as pragmatic, well-networked, and deeply attuned to the city’s economic and social pulse.
Jennifer Stewart’s career is a study in strategic influence—how to build platforms, shape narratives, and drive change across sectors. Her work is helping redefine what leadership looks like in Canada’s capital: not just behind closed doors, but in public, in partnership, and in service to the broader community.
Solange Tuyishime Keita
Solange Tuyishime Keita’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and purpose. Born in East Africa, she survived civil war and genocide, living in refugee camps across Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, and Kenya before arriving in Canada at age 13. What followed was a remarkable journey of reinvention — from newcomer to national advocate, from survivor to CEO.
Today, Tuyishime Keita leads Elevate International, a national nonprofit based in Ottawa that empowers women and girls through leadership development, economic advancement, and community engagement. Under her direction, Elevate runs school workshops, national summits, and mentorship programs that connect youth, professionals, and policymakers. Her work is rooted in a clear mission: to create opportunities for others to lead, succeed, and elevate their communities.
She is also the co-founder of Naylah’s Legacy, a charity named in honour of one of her newborn triplet daughters, who passed away shortly after birth. The organization has raised over $2.3 million to support premature infants and maternal health across Canada. In total, Tuyishime Keita has helped raise more than $3.6 million for causes supporting women and children — both locally and globally.
As a UNICEF Canada Ambassador for over 15 years, Tuyishime Keita has travelled to more than 25 countries advocating for access to clean water, education, maternal care, and emergency support for children. Her global work is matched by her local impact: she regularly partners with Ottawa-based organizations, speaks at regional events, and mentors emerging leaders across the city. In 2023, she was inducted into the Order of Ottawa, with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praising her ability to “find hope in some of the most difficult times”.
Her influence extends beyond the nonprofit sector. A former Miss Canada International (2006), Miss Galaxy Canada (2011), and Mrs. Canada (2017), Tuyishime Keita used pageantry not as personal promotion but as a platform to amplify voices too often ignored. Her charisma and clarity have made her a sought-after speaker at national conferences, policy forums, and media platforms focused on equity, leadership, and resilience.
Tuyishime Keita holds degrees in journalism and public administration, and is known for blending storytelling with strategic advocacy. Her recent profile in Ottawa Life Magazine captured her dual identity as a global changemaker and deeply rooted community leader — someone equally comfortable on a UNICEF stage in Geneva or speaking to students in Vanier about finding their voice.
Cara Vaccarino
President and CEO, The Royal
Cara Vaccarino is reshaping how mental health care is understood, accessed, and delivered in Canada’s capital. As President and CEO of The Royal—one of the country’s leading mental health centres—Vaccarino has emerged as a bold and compassionate force in a sector that has long struggled for visibility, funding, and systemic reform.
Since stepping into the role in January 2024, Vaccarino has brought a rare combination of clinical expertise, executive leadership, and lived experience to the table. She began her research career at McGill and UCLA before taking on leadership roles in health institutions across Canada and the U.S. She holds graduate degrees in Social Work and Health Services Administration, along with a BA in Psychology. Vaccarino is known for her ability to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Her leadership style is collaborative but decisive, grounded in the belief that mental health care must be integrated, equitable, and person-centred.
Under her direction, The Royal has expanded its reach beyond traditional hospital walls, investing in community-based services, digital innovation, and partnerships that prioritize prevention and early intervention. Vaccarino has championed initiatives that connect mental health care to housing, employment, and social support—recognizing that recovery is not just clinical, but deeply personal and social.
Vaccarino’s impact is especially visible in how The Royal has responded to Ottawa’s post-pandemic mental health crisis. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma across all age groups, her team has prioritized rapid-access services, youth outreach, and culturally responsive care. She’s pushed for more integrated models that bring together primary care, psychiatry, and peer support—challenging the siloed systems that often leave patients waiting months for help.
Her leadership has also been marked by a commitment to reconciliation and equity. Under her guidance, The Royal has deepened its partnerships with Indigenous communities, expanded services for racialized populations, and launched internal reviews to address systemic bias in care delivery. Vaccarino has emphasized the importance of listening—not just to clinicians and policymakers, but to patients, families, and communities who have long been excluded from decision-making.
Her work has drawn national attention. In 2024, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Health Leaders by HealthCareCAN, and she continues to serve on advisory panels focused on mental health reform, digital health, and health equity. She’s frequently called upon to brief policymakers, contribute to national strategies, and speak at conferences across the country.
Vaccarino’s influence extends beyond health care. She’s become a trusted voice in Ottawa’s broader civic landscape, contributing to conversations on homelessness, public safety, and youth well-being. Her approach is pragmatic but visionary—always asking how systems can work better for the people they serve.
In a city where health care often feels like a maze of bureaucracy and waitlists, Cara Vaccarino is cutting through the noise. Her leadership is a reminder that change is possible—and that when it comes to mental health, Ottawa deserves nothing less than bold, compassionate action.
These ten women aren’t just shaping Ottawa, they’re influencing how Canada thinks, builds, and leads. Their impact stretches across sectors and generations, from national boardrooms to local classrooms, from startup labs to public institutions. In a city often defined by its bureaucracy, they’ve carved out space for bold ideas, real results, and lasting change.
Whether driving policy, building companies, challenging power, or strengthening communities, they’re not just part of Ottawa’s story; they’re helping write the next chapter.
All photos: Via LinkedIn
